In 2008, my family selected the Keech Children’s Hospice as the beneficiary of the ’s Charitable Fund for that year. Since that time, I have maintained a close personal relationship with the hospice and, where possible, have continued to offer practical fund-raising support.

This summer, however, I shall be embarking on a personal challenge to provide much needed funds for Keech. On 2^nd July, I will be travelling to for 9 days with a team of 20 volunteers.Amongst whom will be my great friend Jacqui Shepherd. We were both brought up in Stevenage Old Town and attended the Barclay School. We were also active members of the 4th Stevenage Guide Company. Little did Jacqui and I ever think when we were at Guide Camp that some 30 odd years later we would be undertaking this adventure together!

We will be spending several days working at a hospice in . The project will include making general improvements to the environment by painting and decorating and landscaping the gardens. We will also be constructing a children’s play area, which has been sponsored by Monster Play Systems.

When the project is completed we will set out on a trek through the Dharamsala mountain range, where we will visit remote tribal villages and local family homes.

After the trek we will return to the hospice in , to make our final farewells to the project.

This will be an incredible personal adventure and one which, I have no doubt, will be both physically and emotionally challenging. However, its purpose is to raise funds for Keech, the hospice which serves our local community in Hertfordshire.

Although the project in is funded by Monster Play Systems, I must raise at least £2,600 in sponsorship. 

Of course, the more the better but every penny counts, so please donate what you can.